Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline government immigration policies. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”